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TODAY
December 04, 2013

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This content comes from a Full-Text Transcript of the program.

RON MOTT reporting:This is
Ron Mott
. For years the mine gave them all a livelihood; in an instant it took their lives. Miner
Benny Willingham
's family longed to hold him today, cherishing 33 years of marriage to
Edith
celebrated just last Friday, retirement only five weeks away. But now that he's gone, they're left simply holding photos.

Ms. MICHELLE McKINNEY (Benny Willingham's Daughter):He loved to travel. He loved his grandbabies. He loved us. He was a family man, and he loved the Lord. We know where he's at, but we
still
want him back.

MOTT:It's a feeling that seems to echo from every dusty nook and cranny of these coal-rich hills.

Unidentified Reporter:Is an examination of the coal
mining industry
.

MOTT:Lunchtime at the
pizza shop
, chitchat at the
convenience store
because so many here depend on coal to survive.

Ms. ENGA COTTRELL (Convenience Store Clerk):It's very emotional, and -- because we're all family. I mean, it's just like
brothers and sisters
.

Unidentified Woman:Because I know that they're doing what they have to support their families, and I don't think any of them would change it.

MOTT:Yet, as sure as coal is a constant, and can even be a comfort in these parts, uncertainty and confusion about who survived, who died, who might
still
have a chance has filled the day.

Unidentified Man:You can't imagine, unless you have someone in there.

MOTT:Though the crushing reality has arrived for many families, putting faith and loss at a crossroads. But not for Pastor
Gary Williams
. He's also a miner.

Pastor GARY WILLIAMS:No one goes
underground
wanting to stay
underground
. They want to come home and come outside and go home to their families. We've got to put our faith in a
higher power
. That's the only hope we have.

MOTT:Tonight
the pain is especially acute for one miner in particular. After leaving work on the
day shift
yesterday, his son, his brother and his nephew reported for the ill-fated
night shift
. All three are
confirmed dead
,
Brian
.